London: Personal computers are fast taking over the place of human beings' long time best friend, the family dog, a British study has found.

Researchers have found just six percent of us believe that "most people rely more on their dog than they do on their PC," while 67 percent think the opposite to be true.

Even 38 percent of dog owners confessed to relying more on their PC than on their dog, although 36 percent disagreed. And 71 percent of 18 to 24-year-old dog owners said they relied more on their computer, daily reported.

According to Paul Allen, editor of Computer active magazine, which carried out the poll with the Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals, said, "These days you can even take your PC for a walk, provided you have a laptop or tablet.

"It's only a matter of time until the first PC that fetches your slippers."

Researchers talked to 2,000 British adults to find out about the change modern technology has brought to their home life. They found that male dog owners are almost twice as likely as female owners to rely on their computer than a canine companion.

Allen said: "With broadband bringing them global news and newspaper sales falling, the family dog even misses out on the pleasure of taking the paper to his owner."

But it's not all bad news for obedient dogs.

"The family PC has given dog owners access to a wealth of resources and information that can help with the long-term care that a dog needs," Allen said.

"From finding the best vets to researching great new walks that all the family can enjoy, the web enables the PC to become a dog's best friend."